Nigeria manager Finidi George has been handed a massive boost ahead of a crucial 2026 World Cup qualifying match against South Africa’s Bafana Bafana, with marquee player Victor Osimhen returning to action on Sunday at Stadio Diego Armando Maradona, allnigeriasoccer.com reports.
Previously, the reigning African Footballer of the Year had been rated as doubtful for the internationals in June due to a muscle injury that had sidelined the striker since May 11.
Napoli’s fitness update regarding Osimhen was unfavorable before the visit of Lecce, stating that the number 9 carried out personalized training on the pitch in their final workout on Saturday morning.
And it was thought he was included in the matchday squad to make up the numbers and say his final goodbyes to the Parthenopeans fans ahead of a proposed move to either Chelsea or Paris Saint-Germain in the summer transfer window.
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Osimhen looked lively during the twenty five minutes he spent on the pitch against Lecce and even came close to breaking the deadlock in the last seconds of the match with a header that was saved by the goalkeeper.
Barring a relapse in the training sessions, Finidi’s plan is to give Osimhen minutes from the start against South Africa on June 7.
It is not yet certain if Osimhen’s pal Samuel Chuwkueze will be fully fit for the upcoming games.
AC Milan confirmed on Saturday that the winger was not included in the squad for their final game of the season against Salernitana due to his ongoing recovery from a hamstring injury.
